Today was dilation procedure number 5 and once again there was some success though not quite as far as I would have liked. This time around we got to 13.5 MM. It is a half millimeter less that what I was hoping for but still provides a 26.6% increase in the volume of the opening. They tried 15 MM but that was a no go. One interesting thing I learned about the dilators they are using is that they have a build in safety system where if they feel a certain amount of pressure they stop inflating. That is a good thing as it helps prevent any serious injuries. The next procedure should be in 4 weeks.
One thing I am learning about swallowing is that if you haven't done it in awhile it takes some time to get back into the swing of things. Even just chewing food felt strange the first week or so I tried it because it had been over 10 months since I chewed anything. After this latest procedure I was able to go home and have an entire can of Progresso Clam Chowder soup (2 servings) along with some bread with butter. Probably 500 calories total. Then I was able to eat some home made banana bread also with butter for around another 100 calories. While I am still not mainstream when it comes to food it is nice to be able to get a decent amount of calories through eating.
Over the next few weeks I will start trying to eat some more small solid items. Even if they don't go down well right away I have found that by practicing now when my esophogus is opened up wide enough they go down easier.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment